Labour leader Eamon Gilmore has moved to defuse a rebellion within his party over the toxic political issues of pylons and wind farms.

Countrywide objections to EirGrid’s controversial plans to upgrade the electricity network by erecting giant 45-metre pylons across huge areas of the county has caused deep divisions within the junior government party. Labour TDs are also concerned about new draft planning guidelines by Junior Environment Minister Jan O’Sullivan on wind farms.

Last week at a turbulent party meeting, TDs and senators objected en masse to proposed guidelines by Ms O’Sullivan which despite increasing the height of wind turbines from 50 metres to 185-199 metres, the setback distance from houses remained at just 500 metres. Following heated exchanges, Mr Gilmore told the meeting: “The message has been heard. The concerns will be addressed.”

Mr Gilmore said he would talk to Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte and Jan O’Sullivan to see how the problems could be resolved.

In what is regarded as implicit criticism of Mr Rabbitte, the Tanaiste also told the meeting: “Politically you have to be seen to bring people with you and that has not happened at the moment.”

After the meeting, TDs who spoke to the Sunday Independent said Mr Gilmore had made it very clear he would be taking a hands-on approach and treating both issues, wind farms and pylons, as a personal priority.

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